Ohne Titel IX (1942)

Artist: Karl Wiener (1942)Karl Wiener’s "Ohne Titel IX," created in 1942, demonstrates a stunning use of pastel to concoct a vivid and moody scene. This particular work features a striking central building reminiscent of a classical capitol or monument, bathed in a golden light that contrasts heavily against the dark, night-time backdrop. The structure's dome and columns glow warmly, serving as a beacon of light amid the enveloping blue.The sky, executed with deep blues and streaks of black, adds a sense of tumult and depth to the painting, indicative of a storm or heavy atmosphere pressing down. Interestingly, Wiener paints a simple outline of a human figure extending across the right side of the canvas. This figure, sketched in what appears to be a lighter blue, looms large yet subtly beside the golden monument, perhaps suggesting themes of presence, guardian-like oversight, or solitude.The bottom of the painting features a boldly colored stripe of red, giving a stark base to the scene and possibly symbolizing turmoil, passion, or a foundational strength.Karl Wiener's "Ohne Titel IX" is a thought-provoking piece, blending architectural beauty with abstract, human elements to create a layered and emotional visual narrative. It invites viewers to ponder the relationship between the enduring structures we build and the transient, yet impactful, presence of human existence within or around them.